About ConfrontTheHate.com
Hey, there!
I’m veteran investigative journalist Phil Williams.
A few years back, I became deeply concerned about the rise of hate within the places we call “home,” how it was showing up in town halls, school board meetings, local elections, and everyday communities across America.
And, by “hate,” I don’t mean everyday political disagreements.
I’m talking about organized ideologies and networks—white supremacy, neo-Nazism, certain strains of Christian nationalism, and conspiracy-driven extremism—that treat entire groups of people as inferior because of their race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or identity.
Originally, I named this project “Hate Comes to Main Street,” but I came to realize I wanted to accomplish even more.
ConfrontTheHate.com was built to confront these realities facing our communities head-on with clear, independent journalism, while focusing on what matters most: finding practical ways forward together.
Guided by a simple mission—Confront the Hate, Find the Hope—this site offers deep, reflective analysis on how extremism impacts everyday life, highlights essential reporting from around the country, and shines a spotlight on the courage of ordinary people standing up for their communities.
Among the highlights, my own reporting here has:
Exposed the Young Republican group behind a racist, antisemitic, misogynistic, Christian nationalist X account appealing to other young men.
Revealed how white nationalist groups in America studied the race riots in Belfast for lessons on avoiding detection by law enforcement.
Documented the anti-democratic ambitions of Christian nationalists, as well as their desire to take away the rights of women to vote.
Confronted a Christian nationalist candidate for governor who wants to outlaw Islam and Hinduism, and deny the morning-after pill to rape victims.
Uncovered associations between KKK-loving figures and forces who are trying to push the Southern Baptist Convention farther to the right.
Critiqued a 60 Minutes segment that unintentionally amplified a fascist group’s rebranding efforts.
Challenged provably false claims by the Trump administration about its indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
This is the kind of solid, groundbreaking reporting that you can expect here!
Why I’m the right person for this project
With 40 years of experience, I am one of the most highly acclaimed investigative journalists in the country. Some of you may know me better by the nickname bestowed upon me by HBO’s John Oliver: “Nashville’s Nosiest Bitch.”
I’ve spent years looking hate in the eye, examining the rising influence of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, Christian nationalists, QAnon true believers, and the conspiracy theories that feed them. That reporting has been recognized nationally, including with two prestigious George Foster Peabody Awards.
Over the years, the hatemongers have called me vile names, as well as threatening me and my family.
Still, I persevere because, from my perspective, hate and political extremism have become a brush fire that threatens to become a raging wildfire if ignored.
If you don’t know about it, you can’t fight it.
Click below to read what readers have said about why they became subscribers:
But I also know we cannot just wallow in despair.
We must Find the Hope for a better tomorrow. That’s the reason behind the series of essays titled Hate in a Hallmark Town.
I have tried to highlight those reasons for hope, suggest books that I find meaningful, and bring you fascinating conversations (like the one below).
Why subscribe—for free?
By joining as a free subscriber, you get thoughtful, reliable journalism delivered directly to your inbox—no ads, no algorithms, and no unnecessary noise.
Stay Informed Without the Overwhelm: Clear, well-researched insights that help you understand complex issues without feeling bombarded by the daily news cycle. I dig deep into the dark side of the internet so you don’t have to.
See the Big Picture: Learn how broader national movements manifest in local communities and why paying attention to local civic life matters.
Discover Real Reasons for Hope: Beyond documenting the problems, we highlight real stories of resilience, community action, and progress.
Become a part of something bigger
ConfrontTheHate.com isn’t backed by a newsroom budget, and ultimately its long-term viability depends on readers like you who decide this kind of clear-eyed, hopeful journalism is worth sustaining.
Choosing a paid subscription directly fuels this mission while unlocking exclusive community features:
Join the Conversation: Participate in member-only comment sections to share perspectives, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a moderated space.
Connect in Community Chats: Access periodic live chats and discussions centered on community resilience and local engagement.
Sustain Independent Journalism: Your support helps to cover the real costs of research, tools, and the legal protections required to do this work without fear or interference.
Founding Members can have an even larger impact. You set your own level of support for this stand against hate. (Here’s how to upgrade to Founding status.)
Confront the hate. Find the hope.
Thank you for being here!
Whether you join as a free subscriber or as a paid supporter, you become part of a community committed to understanding what’s happening in our towns and neighborhoods — and finding real reasons for hope.
If this mission matters to you, I’d be grateful if you’d subscribe.
